Over the last few decades, there have been enormous strides in overall longevity with life expectancy rates. The percentage of Americans over age 65 has increased for 8% of the total population to 12% and is expected to go up to 20% by2050. However, despite these significant advances in healthcare and other factors promoting longevity, the lifetime odds of dying from preventable injuries typically called accidents is increasing.

Putting the crisis in perspective

The most concerning of these is the increase in accidental opioid overdose. These recent figures are reflective of the worsening epidemic in this country. Many of us also pay more attention to eye-catching headlines. Plane crashes or deaths attributed to consumer products are likely to catch out attention over incidents or opioid overdose.

What does this mean?

For anyone doubting how serious the opioid crisis in the United States is, these figures truly show the extent of potential problems. Opioids break down into a large range of different drugs including morphine, heroin, oxycodone and many others.

The remainder of the 43,000 annual deaths are attributed to other drugs in the opioid category. The statistics only refer to drug related deaths. They do not measure the socioeconomic and other stresses addiction puts on the individuals and those around them.

Growing awareness for reform

Drug overdose deaths and the opioid epidemic has grown dramatically over the last 10 years. These new statistics more than confirm it.

What can you do about the opioid crisis?

If you or a loved one are abusing opioids or experiencing opioid withdrawal, please reach out for help right away. There are many different treatment options available. Your mental health, your physical health and your quality of life are at stake.

If your doctor has prescribed you opioid pain relievers for an injury or illness, talk to her about possible less dangerous substitutes. There are many different medications available to manage your pain. Consult with your her to find an alternative you feel safe taking and that can prevent your chances of overdose, addiction and the many problems associated with opioid use.

We can help you

At The Blackberry Center, you will have the opportunity to recover from opioid abuse and to begin the journey to lifelong recovery in our state-of-the-art facilities.

If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with opioid addiction, we can help. We use a personalized approach to addiction treatment. Our focus is on treating the disease, not the symptoms. We put our patients first every step of the way.

Susan Gail Taylor is a content creator focusing on the addiction, health, fitness and mental health arenas. She earned a Master of Arts degree as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Professional and Technical Writing and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She is passionate about animals, whole food plant-based nutrition, fitness and creating valuable content with featuring actionable steps. In her free time, Susan enjoys life and adventures with her husband Nathan and their two dogs Tallon and Kane. She also dedicates time to running, yoga, hiking and biking.

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About Us

The Blackberry Center is a 64-bed behavioral hospital in St. Cloud, Florida. Nestled in a tranquil setting just outside of Orlando, our mental health facility provides patients with a safe place to reflect, reset and heal.

Our retreat-like environment provides a tranquil setting in which our patients can heal. We offer 24-hour psychiatric services provided by licensed professionals in various disciplines. The hospital has varying programs that can be tailored to patient needs, including older adult programs, dual diagnosis treatment and general psychiatric care.

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